Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers Apologize After Backlash To Comments About Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have issued public apologies after facing intense online backlash for discouraging donations to Texas Democratic U. S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett during a recent episode of their Las Culturistas podcast.

In an episode released in early January, Rogers used the show’s recurring “I Don’t Think So, Honey” segment to discuss Democratic electoral strategy, pivoting from criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s national ambitions to Crockett’s rumored run for U. S. Senate in Texas. During the segment, Rogers told listeners, “Don’t waste your money sending to Jasmine Crockett. Do not do it, ” arguing that she would not be able to win a statewide race. Co‑host Yang agreed with the assessment, responding, “I must agree. ”

Rogers went on to say that if former U. S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke could not win a Texas Senate seat, then Crockett’s path would be even more difficult, and described her as a politician who is “very well-defined” in the public eye. He argued that Democrats might need “someone less defined” to emerge in Texas and mentioned State Rep. James Talarico as an example of a candidate he believed could appeal more to centrist voters.

The comments quickly circulated on social media, where listeners and commentators accused the hosts of reinforcing racist and misogynistic narratives about a Black woman in politics and of telling people not to financially support a prominent Democratic woman of color.

Crockett, who represents a Dallas-area district, has drawn national attention for her forceful questioning in congressional hearings and for high-profile clashes with Republican colleagues, including former U. S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Her supporters have highlighted her role as a Black woman challenging far-right rhetoric and policies, and many framed the podcast remarks as undermining that work by discouraging small-dollar donations that are often critical for candidates from marginalized communities.

Following the backlash, Rogers issued a written apology on Instagram, saying he had heard the criticism and was “taking every bit of it to heart. ” He described himself as “a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, ” but acknowledged that “my phrasing was not right” and promised to be “more thoughtful. ” Rogers added that he has “great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett” and regretted that his words suggested otherwise.

Yang reshared Rogers’s statement on his own Instagram account and included a brief note taking responsibility for his part in the controversy. He wrote that he “should not have cursorily weighed in on this, ” acknowledged the reach of their platform, and said he intends to use it more responsibly in the future.

As of mid-January, neither Crockett nor her congressional office had issued a public response to the podcasters’ comments or their apologies.